CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage is almost synonymous with ragtime music, so it’s no surprise that Carthage Historic Preservation Inc. is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Ragtime Ball from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the historic Phelps House.
The rafters will resound all night with the interpretations of local pianists Bill Sutter, Susan Cordell and her brother, Steven Spracklen. Spracklen is a professional musician currently on hiatus from his job as cruise director and ragtime performer for the Delta Queen Steamboat Co.
Carthage Historic Preservation has asked guests to add to the fun by dressing in Halloween costumes to re-create a Halloween party put on by Col. Phelps in 1900. Costumes are optional, but those dressed in costumes may participate in a grand march. An original menu will feature finger food and beverages.
Carthage’s intimate connection to ragtime began in the early 1900s, when James Scott moved here with his family. The teenage composer worked for Dumar’s Music Store on the north side of the square, and a plaque in his honor can be seen there today. Scott, Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb eventually were recognized as the three most sophisticated composers in ragtime’s heyday.
Beginning in 1993, Victorian Carthage held a biennial James Scott International Ragtime Festival for several years, bringing in noted international composers such as Peter Lundberg and Kjell Waltman, both of Sweden; Colm O’Brien, Ireland; and Dick Zimmerman, California. They played up to five concerts per visit alongside Southwest Missouri ragtimers including Bob Darch, Marvin VanGilder, Cordell and Spracklen.
Karen Herzog, Carthage Historic Preservation spokeswoman, said former and current members of the board will be honored at Thursday’s event as “preservation pioneers.” Original board members included Bill Haughawout, Allen McReynolds (now deceased), Caryl MacMorran, David Dally and Marvin VanGilder.
Also to be honored are board members and volunteers Robert DeBaca, Gary Hoskins, Clarence Kester, Ruth Kolpin, Richard Logsdon, Larry McGuire, Lon McKinney, Chuck Pauley, Don Riley and Ruby Wilson, as well as deceased honorees: Robert Dale, Don Decker, Sue Haughawout, Ed and Mabel Rogers, Paul and Marguerity Scroggs, and Bennett Wilson.
Herzog said former state Rep. Robert Ellis Young, former state Sen. Richard Webster and former Mayor Ray Carter provided crucial support toward naming various areas within the city to the National Register of Historic Places. They will be recognized, as will the following major donors to preservation efforts: the William T. Kemper Foundation, the Helen S. Boylan Foundation, John Williams, Pat and Carolyn Phelps, Dr. Russell and Betty Smith, Boatman’s Bank, and Richard and Lana Brand.
The public may attend the 30th anniversary event, Herzog said. The cost is $35 per couple, with all proceeds benefiting Carthage Historic Preservation. For reservations, people may contact Herzog at 417-237-0723.
